Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a law immediately banning the sale, manufacturing and distribution of assault weapons in the state. File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | license photo
April 26 (UPI) — Washington state Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill banning assault weapons, prompting an immediate lawsuit from a gun rights group.
The law, which was part of a package of measures targeting gun violence includes an emergency clause that prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any assault-style weapon, including all forms of AK-47, AR15, M16, and M4 in the state. Tuesday.
“Today, Washington State is putting the gun industry in its place and improving the health, safety and lives of our residents,” Inslee said in a statement. “I want to thank the many legislators and advocates who have worked over the years to bring some of these policies to the governor’s desk.”
The law also created a mandatory 10-day waiting period for gun purchases.
“Studies show that waiting period laws can prevent suicides and homicides because they allow a period of reflection, an opportunity for people to reconsider their intentions to harm themselves or others,” says Inslee’s office. . said in a Medium blog post.
“The 10-day waiting period will also allow local law enforcement to conduct extensive background checks on all gun buyers, ensuring that ineligible buyers are barred from acquiring a firearm.”
The Washington state-based Second Amendment Foundation has already filed a federal lawsuit on the legislation, claiming that it criminalized the “fundamental right to self-defense”. The Firearms Industry Trade Association also condemned it and promised a lawsuit as well.
“There is no question that this law signed by Governor Jay Inslee unconstitutionally denies Second Amendment rights to law-abiding citizens in the state of Washington,” said Lawrence G. Keane, the association’s senior vice president and general counsel. . said in a statement.
“NSSF worked in good faith with state legislators to advise them that this legislation violates their constitutionally guaranteed Second Amendment rights to own common property firearms.”
The law makes Washington the 10th state to enact an assault weapons ban joining California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, as well as Washington, DC.
Tuesday’s signing also included a measure that allows the state and private consumers to sue firearm manufacturers or sellers for negligent conduct, including selling guns to minors or people who intend to buy a firearm for someone they love. legally you would not be allowed to buy one on your own. own.
Inslee’s office said the firm was in line with state lawmakers who have enacted what they called “common sense reforms” around assault weapons, including bans on stocks and high-capacity magazines, tools that they increase a shooter’s ability to fire ammunition more quickly.
